DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Fire,
gas leaks, power outages, and brutal weather give people only seconds
to evacuate. Many residents of North Texas during our storm season are
spared emotional and financial chaos by having a survival plan that includes
their pets.
A
72-hour kit containing everything you need to survive for three days
can easily be created. A
comfortable backpack, pillowcase, suitcase, or any lightweight carrier,
is adequate if it can be easily carried long distances.
Pet
backpacks are available in pet stores and come in multiple sizes. These
snap around the stomach and have ample pouches to carry sufficient food
and water. Shelters are not equipped with pet food.
Place
a laminated instruction sheet in the pouch in case you and your pet become
separated. Include medicines, shot records and vet information. The finder
will know your pet’s needs and how to notify you.
Make
a list of items you and your pet use daily. When shopping, purchase at
least one extra item from the list. Keep a sufficient amount of cash
on hand as credit cards and checks cannot be accepted when power is off.
Pack the container so items do not shift in transit. Medicines,
glasses, hearing aid, or any other needed device should not be forgotten.
Include batteries for items affected by a power loss.
Keep
a self-contained cooking stove, blankets, water, flashlight, and a First
Aid Kit in your vehicle. In a disaster, your pet may need extensive help.
A pet first aid kit can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Food
for you and your pet may not be available for long periods of time. Pre-cooked
meals that come in waterproof packs can be eaten cold. Dehydrated food
is easily chewed. Canned goods with pop-open lids eliminate the need
for a can opener. Do not use glass containers for storage. Transfer items
to a plastic bottle with a screw top lid or plastic bag with a zipper.
Water
can be purchased in individual pouches. This is ideal for any pet and
helps you ration intake. Inexpensive, they can be found in Internet catalogues
or at local camping stores. The minimum for survival is 8 ounces per
day per person. Ask your vet for a recommended survival amount for your
pet. Increase the amount for personal hygiene. Keep at least two gallons
in your vehicle.
One
method to store drinking water is in a five-gallon container. Add one
tablespoon of unscented bleach for each gallon. Do not exceed this amount
if you will be sharing water with your pet. Plastic water jugs are not
recommended for long-time storage. They deteriorate quickly and may leak.
Plan
an escape route and teach your family how to use it. Use practice drills
and take your pet with you. Decide on a common place to meet and how
your family will communicate in case of separation. When 9-11 occurred,
cell phones were useless when relay stations and power lines did not
work. One solution is to designate a “mail box” and leave notes of your
whereabouts inside. A hidden container or a place to tack messages is
adequate.
Frightened
animals run from approaching strangers. They wander into unexpected dangers
or run into the path of rescue vehicles. Assign someone in the family
to be responsible for your pet during an evacuation. You may be delayed
for days before you can return home to care for it.
Using
a collar to restrain the pet during travel could result in a broken neck.
A halter and lead ensures a safe trip. Without a restraint your pet could
be thrown outside with little chance for survival.
You
do not know where you will be when disaster hits. By
following these guidelines, you and your pet will be prepared for any
disaster
Julie Grant is owner of Pet Chauffeur Transport, a pet chauffeur company that operates in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and suburbs. She is available for special presentations and talks. Pet Chauffeur appreciates your comments and encourages you to send them, whether pro or con, to oegrant2@juno.com. All contents and articles on this website are copyrighted and require the express written permission of the author for copies, distribution, or use outside of this website.
